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Out of the Box!

2 June 2010

Every box of records that arrives at the Library of Virginia (LVA) is full of possibilities. We never know what we are going to find in even the most seemingly mundane record series. A joy of our work is sharing with colleagues and friends the images, documents, and stories that pique our interest as we process the collection. The LVA’s archivists want to share these discoveries with those outside our professional circle.

The LVA wears many hats in its service to the state. As the state archive it houses official records of the commonwealth, its counties, and independent cities along with a significant collection of private papers. The archivists of the LVA work not only to preserve the state’s documentary heritage but are also dedicated to providing access to its unmatched collection of more than 109 million diverse items ranging from official government documents to family letters, from royal land grants on parchment to former Gov. Tim Kaine’s administration websites.

A blog is the perfect format for us to share our finds and illuminate the practical side of the archival profession as practiced here. It is a natural outgrowth of the LVA’s use of technology to expand access to the collection outside the reading rooms. Visit often. Make comments. Share your stories. We will update the blog every week with a new entry.